'YouthFest' To Teach High School Students Filmmaking Basics

Sam Houston State University’s film program will reach out to young filmmakers and help them tap into their potential, while giving them a “Hollywood” experience, with a new workshop for high school students debuting at SHSU’s The Woodlands campus on Dec. 7.

The one-day “Film YouthFest” will introduce students to movie-making with the help of university professors, professionals and film majors, all for no cost.

After morning sessions, wherein students will be taught basic filmmaking language and techniques by SHSU film program coordinator Tom Garrett, attendees will put those lessons into action by making their own short films.

“The purpose of this program is to empower high school students in the area with critical thinking skills and the filmmaking tools to express themselves,” Garrett said. “Students can discover career paths and areas of study in film and media production, and see what SHSU has to offer on this path.”

The films created by students, under the guidance of SHSU film students, will be premiered during the “Orange Carpet Premier Screenings,” from 3:30-5 p.m. that day.

Films by SHSU students, which were screened at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival and new projects will also be presented. The premier will be free and open to the public.

“The films created as part of YouthFest all will be a little different, from narrative to short documentaries on The Woodlands campus,” Garrett said.

The SHSU Film YouthFest is part of a series of programs being created by the SHSU mass communication film program to highlight the many components of the film industry and “inspire, educate and entertain students and families by promoting creativity, collaboration and community involvement.”

“SHSU can reach more than 10,000 area students through filmmaking, film review, screenwriting, and movie screening programs,” Garrett said. “Students from middle school through college will be able to participate in various programs designed to deliver a rich cinematic experience.”

Future events planned include a classroom critic workshop, designed to teach students about film analysis and review; the “’See Jane’ Studio,” a partnership with the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, which encourages fair gender representation in film; and workshops on film juries and screenwriting, among many others.

“In addition to providing fantastic films and events, we are also committed to making the art of film accessible to local young people and their families,” Garrett said. “Our program will work with students year-round and creates special opportunities for recognition, empowering students with critical thinking skills and the tools to express themselves, all at no cost to them.”